dotConnect for MySQL Professional 10.2.192

dotConnect for MySQL is an enhanced ORM-enabled ADO.NET data provider for MySQL and MariaDB. Developed for .NET applications, it provides direct database connectivity, ORM integration, Visual Studio development tools, advanced security features, and performance optimizations for building database-driven applications.

What's New

• Added support for MariaDB 12.

• Added support for .NET 10.

• Added integration with Visual Studio 2026, including preview versions.

• Added simplified trial activation.

• Added license key-based activation for .NET Framework assemblies.

• Added high-performance batch update operations.

• Expanded SSH support with modern encryption and key-exchange algorithms.

• Added support for SingleStore.

• Updated Entity Framework Core support for EF Core 8 and 9.

• Improved compatibility with SQL Server Reporting Services.

• Fixed issues involving Entity Framework Core queries, metadata retrieval, LinqConnect, licensing, and EntitySet events.

• Improved compatibility with recent Visual Studio versions and development environments.

Key Features

• Provides direct ADO.NET connectivity to MySQL and MariaDB databases without requiring the MySQL client library.

• Supports MySQL, MariaDB, Percona, Amazon RDS, and Amazon Aurora database environments.

• Supports Entity Framework and Entity Framework Core.

• Supports Dapper, NHibernate, and LinqConnect.

• Provides Entity Developer for visual ORM model design.

• Integrates with Visual Studio and provides design-time database tools.

• Includes DataSet Wizard, DataSet Manager, and DataSet Editor.

• Provides SQL syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, migration tools, and data preview.

• Supports SSL/TLS and SSH connections.

• Supports proxy servers and HTTP tunneling.

• Supports database connection compression.

• Provides failover and load-balancing capabilities.

• Supports Unicode connections and modern encryption features.

• Provides FIPS 140-2 mode where applicable.

• Includes advanced connection pooling.

• Supports intelligent fetch block sizing.

• Provides high-performance batch processing.

• Supports prepared statements and asynchronous command execution.

• Provides extended metadata retrieval.

• Supports named parameters and provider-specific data types.

• Provides database event tracing through the dbMonitor utility.

• Supports ASP.NET providers for membership, roles, sessions, profiles, and site maps.

• Supports Microsoft Enterprise Library Data Access Application Block.

• Provides tools for importing and exporting data through Business Intelligence workflows.

• Supports stored procedures, functions, full-text search, change tracking, and inheritance mapping through supported ORM technologies.

• Supports embedded MySQL servers in applicable configurations.

User Interface

dotConnect for MySQL integrates primarily into development environments rather than operating as a standalone database management application. Its Visual Studio integration provides visual editors and database development tools for configuring connections, working with DataSets, previewing data, and managing database-related components.

Entity Developer provides a graphical interface for designing and maintaining ORM models.

Installation and Setup

1. Install dotConnect for MySQL on the development system.

2. Install a compatible .NET environment and development IDE.

3. Open Visual Studio or another supported development environment.

4. Create or open a .NET project.

5. Add the dotConnect for MySQL provider to the project.

6. Configure the MySQL or MariaDB connection.

7. Enter the required server, database, authentication, and security settings.

8. Configure Entity Framework, Dapper, NHibernate, or LinqConnect if required.

9. Test the database connection before developing application functionality.

How to Use

1. Create a .NET application in Visual Studio.

2. Add dotConnect for MySQL to the project.

3. Configure the database connection string.

4. Connect to the MySQL or MariaDB server.

5. Execute SQL commands or access the database through a supported ORM.

6. Use DataSet tools when working with datasets and data-bound components.

7. Use Entity Developer to create or modify ORM models.

8. Configure connection pooling and performance options when necessary.

9. Enable SSL/TLS, SSH, or other security features for protected connections.

10. Test queries and database operations before deploying the application.

FAQ

What is dotConnect for MySQL used for?

It is an enhanced ADO.NET data provider for .NET applications that need to connect to MySQL or MariaDB databases. It adds ORM support, Visual Studio tools, security features, and performance optimizations.

How does dotConnect for MySQL differ from MySQL Connector/NET?

dotConnect for MySQL provides additional development and data-access features, including extended ORM support, visual design-time tools, advanced connection options, batch processing, and additional security and performance functionality.

Does dotConnect for MySQL support Entity Framework Core?

Yes. It supports Entity Framework Core as well as other ORM technologies such as Dapper, NHibernate, and LinqConnect.

Does it support MariaDB?

Yes. The provider supports MariaDB in addition to MySQL and other compatible database environments.

Can it be used for cross-platform .NET applications?

Yes. The provider supports modern .NET platforms and can be used in applications targeting supported Windows, Linux, and macOS environments. Specific features depend on the target framework and provider edition.

Does it support secure database connections?

Yes. SSL/TLS, SSH, proxy servers, and HTTP tunneling are supported, along with additional encryption and data-integrity features.

Is dotConnect for MySQL suitable for enterprise applications?

Yes. Its connection pooling, batch processing, failover, load balancing, ORM support, security features, and Visual Studio integration make it suitable for professional and enterprise development.

Alternatives

MySQL Connector/NET is the official .NET connector for MySQL and is a suitable choice for developers who want a direct MySQL-supported solution.

MySqlConnector is an open-source ADO.NET driver for MySQL-compatible databases with a focus on modern .NET applications.

Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql provides Entity Framework Core support for MySQL and MariaDB.

Dapper is a lightweight ORM that can be used with MySQL through compatible ADO.NET providers.

Pricing

dotConnect for MySQL is commercial software with a 30-day trial period.

The supplied pricing information lists:

• 1-year license: $269.95, plus $60 Premium Support

• 2-year license: $389.95, plus $80 Premium Support

• 3-year license: $489.95, plus $100 Premium Support

Licensing options include one-year licenses, perpetual licenses, and OEM licensing for companies that need to integrate and redistribute the provider with their own applications.

A 30-day money-back guarantee is also available according to the supplied product information.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows, Linux, and macOS for supported modern .NET configurations

• Architecture: x86 and x64, depending on the target platform

• .NET: Supports modern .NET versions, including .NET 10, as well as other supported .NET platforms

• Development environment: Visual Studio and other supported .NET IDEs

• Disk Space: Approximately 50 MB for installation on Windows

• Additional: A compatible MySQL, MariaDB, or supported database server is required for database connectivity

Pros

• Advanced MySQL and MariaDB connectivity

• Strong Entity Framework and ORM support

• Visual Studio integration

• Support for modern .NET platforms

• SSL/TLS, SSH, proxy, and HTTP tunneling support

• Advanced connection pooling and batch processing

• Visual ORM and DataSet development tools

• Supports enterprise-oriented database features

• Extensive design-time and debugging tools

Cons

• Commercial licensing can be expensive

• Advanced features may require additional configuration

• More complex than lightweight MySQL connectors

• Primarily targeted at professional .NET developers

• Some functionality depends on the selected edition and target framework

Conclusion

dotConnect for MySQL is a comprehensive database connectivity solution for .NET developers working with MySQL and MariaDB. It combines ADO.NET connectivity with ORM support, Visual Studio integration, visual development tools, advanced security options, connection pooling, and high-performance data processing.

It is particularly useful for professional applications that require more database development functionality than a basic MySQL connector provides. A 30-day trial allows developers to evaluate its features before purchasing a license.